It sounds like you have the answer. Our guild you make a block each month and turn it in at the meeting. Then there is a drawing from all who turned in to win the blocks. Then you do what you want with them. I have a couple of sets I have won and not put together in anything. Sometimes you will see them again in the guild auction.
I started doing BOM on the board hear. I picked out some fabrics and then did them each month. I plan to make a sampler out of them.
It is a good way to learn and to try new technique and see if you like them.